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WKCTC celebrates graduates with 2024 Fall Commencement

by Justin Jones

Paducah, KY (12/19/2024) — West Kentucky Community and Technical College celebrated the accomplishments of over 200 graduates at Fall 2024 Commencement on December 16. Students graduating were eligible to receive associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates during the ceremony at The Carson Center for the Performing Arts. Mayfield's Mayor Kathy O'Nan was the featured speaker of the ceremonies and Trista Shankle was the student speaker.

O'Nan of Mayfield, KY, delivered a moving address to graduates, reflecting on her personal journey and leadership during the December 10, 2021, tornado that devastated her community.

A lifelong resident of Mayfield, as well as a former teacher with the Mayfield Independent School District for over 25 years, and current mayor, O'Nan shared the emotional challenges she faced when responding to the catastrophic tornado that tore through her town. Despite her experience as a teacher, city commissioner, and mayor, O'Nan admitted that nothing could have truly prepared her for what she saw that night. However, she quickly realized that her most important role was simply to be present and offer support to her community in its darkest hour.

In her commencement speech, O'Nan encouraged the graduating class to approach life with a similar mindset. "Couple what you have been prepared for in the classroom with what is in your heart, to just be there, and nothing can stop you," O'Nan said. "Nothing ever can stop you. I give you the congratulations you all have worked for and so deserve. You're ready. You're grown-up. You're prepared."

Reflecting on the recovery efforts in Mayfield, O'Nan expressed optimism for the future, acknowledging the challenges but also emphasizing the opportunity to rebuild a stronger, more resilient community. "Together, we can create a better and stronger Mayfield," she added, inspiring the graduates to carry that same dedication forward in their own lives.

Trista Shankle's journey to earning her physical therapist assistant degree is a testament to her determination and passion for helping others and inspired by her own children.

"In January 2021, I enrolled in college as a 22-year-old single mother taking prerequisite classes to try and earn one of the 16 positions in the PTA program. In the fall I applied and anxiously awaited my letter, only to be disappointed. I didn't get in, but I couldn't give up because this is what I wanted so badly.

Shankle enrolled in more classes and made plans to work harder to achieve her goal of being accepted to the PTA program. In the fall of 2022 she was waitlisted a second time. "I felt then that my dreams weren't going to become a reality and even made plans to change my major," she said. "The following semester to my surprise, I received an email that changed my life. I got in!"

Shankle received her Associate in Applied Science degree that evening. "Most importantly, the reason I did all of this is because of my two amazing kids."

Addressing her children directly, Shankle added, "This hasn't been an easy journey. I have sacrificed so much time to graduate today so I don't have to sacrifice any more time away from you both. Now mommy can say we finally did it."

Kat Byers, WKCTC Student Government Association President, also took to the stage in a heartfelt message to all the graduates, "Being President of the Student Government Association has allowed me to hear your voices and to see all your hard work firsthand. I sing the praises of this institution, not just because they handed me my degree, but because of all of you."

Additional speakers at the ceremony included WKCTC President Anton Reece; Jay Simmons, chair of the WKCTC Board of Directors: and Chris Black, chair of Paducah Junior College Board of Trustees. WKCTC Board members in attendance were Kenneth Hurt; Faculty Representative Heather Coltharp, Professor of Mathematics; and Staff Representative Jessica West, Manager of Business Affairs.

WKCTC student Kierra Moses sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony. Moses also received a certificate in the college's Nursing Assistant Program during the ceremony.

WKCTC live streamed commencement on its WKCTC Facebook page and YouTube channels. Ceremonies remain on the platforms for future viewing.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) has been recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 10 Community College five times by the Aspen Institute and has been named a Finalist with Distinction three times. Offering more than 200 degree, diploma, and certificate options, WKCTC has been consistently recognized for providing students with vital job training and continuing higher education opportunities, for achieving high completion and transfer rates, and for providing strong employment results for its graduates. For more information, visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu

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